DDays was shocked to read via Facebook last week that the Infatuations lead singer Caleb Gutierrez announced he was leaving the band. The stylish frontman cited creative differences as his reason for stepping down. Gutierrez didn't announce any new ventures and the Infatuations has yet to introduce a new lead singer. Their Dec. 26 holiday charity show at the Magic Bag is a go, however, so Infatuations fans need not worry.
Vegetables are Sexy, too
Shimmy Shack, the completely vegan and gluten-free food truck, has recently launched its "2015 Sexiest Vegetarians in Michigan Calendar." Featuring amateur pin-up models from metro Detroit, the calendar aims to prove that "vegetarian food can be sexy, fun, delicious and healthy" owner Debra Levantrosser says in a release. Calendars also include a VIP card that allows access to monthly deals. Order one at shimmyshack.com.
HopCat Detroit is a Hit
DDays hit the VIP opening of HopCat Detroit last Friday night, and by 6 p.m. almost all the bar seats were taken. The joint was crowded, and there was already a wait at the door. The staff seemed determined to do their best, whether it was ferrying drinks out to the tables from the 160 taps or suggesting a plate of the joint's "crack fries," beer-battered and herb-dusted fries that are something like curly fries given a straightening (and, yeah, you can add warm beer cheese sauce for extra decadence).
By 8 p.m., after a few tulip glasses of Farm Hand French Style Farmhouse Ale (thank you, Grand Rapids), we were ready to head home, and the opening was such a success it took about a minute to jam through the crowds waiting for their wristbands. (Hit those VIP openings early, kids!)
Punch Bowl Socialites
Last week, DDays arrived early for the VIP opening of Punch Bowl Social, the adult equivalent of Chuck E. Cheese. We were happily greeted by a smiling waiter carrying a tray of delicious Moscow Mules — and off we went. While the music selection was a bit peculiar — the soundtrack bounced around from Modest Mouse to Justin Timberlake to Usher — we were taken aback by how Punch Bowl is so comfortable. One room was decked out with tall, plush seats situated around a cozy fireplace, meanwhile a few steps away a 360-degree bar served drinks nonstop throughout the night. By 8 p.m., the place, which can comfortably seat 1,000, was packed. We chatted it up with WDIV anchor Devin Scillian and his wife, local artist Corey Scillian. All of us agreed that Punch Bowl's owners did a fantastic job building out the gastro-diner. We also passed by Matt Cullen, of Bedrock Real Estate Services, Punch Bowl's landlord, who took a moment to snap a photo on a smartphone for a small group. Now we just need to make it back there for brunch.
Rebel Surprise
Donovan's was packed like sardines Saturday night for the Ann Arbor-based trio Rebel Kind's surprise record release party for their LP Today, although we're not sure what the surprise was. Helium balloons were awkwardly clumped up near the small spot on the floor where the band's set-up place was (not a stage). After DJing a diverse set of songs at the single turntable set on the edge of the long bar before their set, the Rebel Kind let loose with their genre-hopping, short, garage-pop songs with an ease and nervousness that happens when one plays to a roomful of friends and admirers.
And Many More ...
DDays kept things flowing last Saturday, when we headed to the Painted Lady in Hamtramck for the surprise 45th birthday party for MT's managing editor, Michael Jackman. Besides the party noisemakers, birthday cake, and booze thanks to bartender Erica Pietrzyk, plenty of local heavy-hitters were in attendance: artist Clint Snider, punk rocker Timmy Vulgar, MT theater critic Drew Philp, MT food critic Jane Slaughter, Gon KiRin artist Ryan C. Doyle, Lac La Belle vocalist Jennie Knaggs, among others. Jackman, in fine form, delivered a roaring eulogy for legendary broadcaster Bill Bonds, who had passed away earlier that evening.
Got some gossip? Send DDays the word on the street to [email protected].
